I am appreciative about a lot of things in my life. In fact, I actually keep an ongoing list of the things I am thankful for. And not too far down on the list is the fact that we live close to Disneyland. That’s right. The Happiest Place on Earth happens to be just a 30-minute drive from our house. How awesome is that!
Our kids grew up going to Disneyland because we always had annual passes. It just made sense for us to have them, since we lived so close. But those days of monthly (sometimes weekly!) family trips to Disneyland are behind us, and have been for a few years now. For one thing, the annual passes keep going up in price every year which has made it completely out of our budget to buy every child in our family, plus Rich and myself, a pass. And the other thing is that almost all of our kids are at the age now where they are so busy with school, sports and social things that to buy a pass for them would be a complete waste of money because they wouldn’t have the spare time to use them.
There are two exceptions to this. Alex and Aiden.
Aiden, of course, is not even four years old yet, so he has plenty of spare time for days at Disneyland. And Alex, even though he is 17.5 years old and is busy with high school and work, enjoys spending time with Aiden and he really wanted an annual pass so that the two of them could go to Disneyland together.
I will admit that the first time he took Aiden to Disneyland – alone and without me – I was sitting at home, nervous as all hell. It was hard to enjoy my break from Aiden because I was worrying about him the entire time. What I worried about the most was that he would get away from Alex in the large Disney crowds and that I would get a phone call that would go something like this…
ALEX: “Mom! Don’t freak out, but I can’t find Aiden!”
ME: What do you mean you can’t find Aidem?!!
ALEX: I don’t know, I mean, I was checking my texts and he was right next to me and then he just wasn’t! I’ve been looking everywhere! What should I do?
Seriously, I would freak the heck out if I ever got that phone call. Just writing it out right now makes me sweat. I just can’t even.
But here’s the thing. Alex is an excellent big brother and keeps a hand on Aiden at all times. And while they are at Disneyland he will send me photos and updates to help ease my mind.
See, mom? Aiden is still alive and well. Here’s a picture to prove it.
And then an hour later….
He’s still okay, mom. You can relax.
And then an hour later…
In case you’re wondering, I’m doing okay, too. And see? I still have Aiden.
These two have such a great time together on their Disneyland days! I’m one lucky mama to have such a responsible 17 year old who not only gives his brother wonderful memories but also gives his mom a much needed break!
Alex is not only a sweet, kind, and loving big brother, but he’s also got a little bit of handsome in him, too. Check him out in his Junior Prom photos from this past weekend.
He’s so easy to take photos of because he poses however I tell him to. And he’s a bit of a ham, which helps.
Here he is with his lovely Prom date. They were seriously the best looking couple at the Prom. Well, of course I’m biased, but you know I’m probably right.
I can’t believe this son of mine only has one more year of high school and then he will be an adult and off to college. Where does the time go?!!
That’s so lovely that he wants to spend time with his little brother and he sounds very responsible but it is natural to worry. Sibling relationships are so fascinating. Loved your gorgeous photos – so lovely! Thanks for sharing with us at #TweensTeensBeyond.
I have to agree he is very handsome and the picture of Alex and his date is stunning! It is fabulous that he wants to spend time with his little brother and for them to have fun together. Many boys his age would probably find that tedious so you are a lucky that they have such a special relationship and have something that they can do together. A lovely story. Thanks for sharing it with us. #TweensTeensBeyond
i’m sure my older kids would’ve spent more time with their youngest brother if we’d live within 30 mins of Disney and what a great place to have your prom photos taken
#tweenteensbeyond
What a gorgeous young man. So happy to read this and that he totally blew your worries out of the water. Great kid and well deserving of his great date – what a lovely pair! Thanks for joining us at #tweensteensbeyond – it’s great to have you. Nicky
Thank you! He had a wonderful time at his prom!
Oh this is gorgeous!! Makes my heart fill with happiness seeing such a wonderful young man loving his litter brother like that. And yes I agree great looking couple! Linked up following you #TweensTeensBeyond
Thanks! It always makes my heart full to see him love on his baby brother
Aww I love this! It’s amazing that Alex wants to spend so much time with Aiden & what better place to do that than at Disneyland
Disneyland really is the perfect place to spend time together. Think of all the conversations they must have in those long lines! LOL
They are both lucky, that will be one special lifetime relationship.
I think so, too. I can see Alex being very involved with Aiden throughout his life. The age gap isn’t an issue at all. It just created a different sibling dynamic.
How sweet is Alex to want to spend so much time with his baby brother! You are a wise mama to be actively grateful for all the wonderful blessings in your life. And Alex looks like a young Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights, especially in the second to last picture. He and his date are a gorgeous couple! Thanks so much for sharing.
I am not familiar with Friday Night Lights, and now you’ve got me curious! I’ll have to check it out now just to see Alex’s look-alike! LOL Thanks for your comment